Labiaplasty and why it’s more than just vanity
Today we'll discuss all things 'vaginal surgery' and the affect it can have on women's lives.
There has been a lot of talk in the press lately about vaginal surgery. In particular, its link to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and with the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service considering banning the procedure under the 1985 laws which prohibit FGM. Our very own Head Surgeon Amir Nakhdjevani stood against the ban explaining that Labiaplasty is only performed on women for medical reasons.
If the procedure was banned in the UK, women may become desperate and have the procedure carried out illegally by an unqualified doctor or choose to go abroad and risk possible complications occurring on their return.
A fully qualified and ethical surgeon will be able to differentiate between a woman who is requesting the procedure for FGM over one that is genuinely affected in her everyday life with the discomfort and embarrassment she is suffering from.
So why have we seen the number of women opting for Labiaplasty procedures treble in the last 10 years? Some may argue that women are feeling the pressure to look what is considered 'perfect' in every aspect of their bodies including their vagina, but in the clinic that has not been our experience.
The women that have sought out the procedure with us have done so due to the discomfort they suffer in their everyday activities in life. Activities that we take for granted like bike riding and running can be incredibly uncomfortable and even painful for a woman with enlarged labia. Just wearing tight clothing can cause discomfort. It can also affect their confidence when it comes to being intimate with a partner and may even cause pain during intercourse.
Woman who have had the Labiaplasty procedure with Bella Vou have reported to us how their lives have been changed since having the procedure. Not only are they no longer suffering from discomfort, but the things we often take for granted, such as wearing a bikini in public no longer causes them embarrassment.
Frequently asked questions about Labiaplasty
What does the procedure involve?
Labiaplasty can be performed whilst you’re awake under a local anaesthetic, but some women prefer to opt for a General anaesthetic and be asleep due to the intimate nature of the surgery. Depending on what type of anesthetic you opt for will determine where the procedure takes place. If you opt for a general anesthetic a hospital admission will be required, but if you opt for a local anesthetic the procedure can be performed in our Tunbridge Wells clinic.
What are the different techniques used to perform Labiaplasty surgery?
There are different techniques to perform the procedure, but most commonly used are the wedge method or trim method. The Labiaplasty Wedge method is a procedure where a section is cut from the labia and the two pieces are then sewn together, whereas the trim method involves trimming the labia itself. During your consultation your surgeon will discuss with the options with you and recommend the procedure best suited to your needs.
How long will the surgery take?
The surgery itself lasts approximately 1-2 hours, although this may vary from woman to woman. If you have the procedure in the morning under a local anesthetic you will usually be able to go home in a couple of hours or once you feel comfortable. If a general anesthtic is opted for, you will need to spend more time in hospital to ensure you have recovered fully from the anesthetic. Both procedures will involve tea and biscuits after!
Will I be in pain after the surgery?
With any surgical procedure there will be discomfort after, but any discomfort can be managed through pain medication. You will need to take it easy for a few days after. So it’s best to use this period to catch up on your favourite TV shows. If you are uncomfortable whilst sitting you can use a small rubber ring to sit on and take the pressure off the area.
What is the recovery period?
The recovery time varies from woman to woman, but any discomfort usually lasts for about 3-4 days. We would recommend that you abstain from being intimate for 6 weeks after surgery or until the scars are fully healed to avoid incurring complications. The more time you take to rest and recover the better outcome you will have. After your surgery you will be provided with full instructions on how to care for the area. This may vary depending on the type of method carried out and your individual needs.
Will I be left with visible scars?
Depending on what method is performed (Trim or Wedge) will determine where the scars will be placed on the labia. With all surgical procedures you will be left with scars, but they will fade to be almost invisible over time. It is important that you follow the post operative care instructions given to you to ensure you get the best outcome and avoid the possibilities of post operative complications such as, infection or tearing which will effect the healing process.
Will I still be able to give birth after Labiaplasty?
Yes, having a Labiaplasty procedure will not impact on your being able to give birth. In fact, due to the shortening of the Labia, you will be less susceptible to tears that might occur during the birthing process.
At Bella Vou we understand that this is an incredibly sensitive subject for any woman choosing to contact us with their concerns. Our staff have been highly trained to ensure that discretion and understanding are paramount in dealing with anyone who contacts the clinic for a genital surgery procedure. Our surgeons handle the situation both professionally and with understanding ensuring the the patient is comfortable and their modesty is preserved.
If you would like a professional and discreet consultation simply call us on 01892 257 357 or fill in our consultation booking form.